Beard gives T Level students hands-on construction experience

This T Levels Week, we're celebrating the opportunities that industry placements create. 

Thanks to our partnership with Abingdon & Witney College, we're building new pathways into construction. As the official sponsor of the College's T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning in Construction, Beard is providing valuable hands-on experience at sites across Oxfordshire.

The partnership marks the first time Beard’s Oxford office has delivered a T Level programme of this scale, building on earlier success in Bristol and reflecting our commitment to developing the next generation of construction professionals. 

Students will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas including sustainability, digital technologies, design principles, and health and safety.

The programme has been coordinated by our Oxford Social Value Coordinator, Rachel Bird, who has worked closely with the College, project teams and supply chain partners to create meaningful workplace experiences for students. 

Rachel says: “At Beard, we are proud to continue supporting T Level students by giving them meaningful opportunities to develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the workplace. 

“Investing our time and experience in young people is an investment in the future of our industry, and we remain committed to helping the next generation build strong foundations for successful careers.”

We asked three of the students who have asked to return to Beard on placement what they’ve learned about the sector – and about their own ambitions to work in it.

Charlie Waite: "A great way to explore the industry while combining college learning with experience on live projects."

"My interest in construction started with a Level 1 carpentry course. I really enjoyed working with materials and creating something from scratch, so the T Level felt like a great way to explore the industry while combining college learning with experience on live projects.

"Before the placement, I thought construction was mainly about the practical work you see on site. I’ve now realised there’s so much more to it, including planning, surveying, project management and communication between different teams.

"Visiting projects including St Catherine’s College, Pusey Lane, Hertford College and the Aspen Centre has helped me to develop an understand of construction drawings, surveying, health and safety, and how different teams work together.

"I originally wanted to become an architect, but I’m now interested in project management. I like the idea of having the responsibility to bring different teams together and managing a project from start to finish.

"For anyone considering a construction T Level, I’d say go for it. You get to learn at college, while also gaining real experience on live projects, meeting people in the industry and building your confidence.

"It’s given me the opportunity to experience construction first-hand, learn from people in the industry, understand where I want my career to go and grow my connections."

Josh King: "Even if you’re unsure where you want to go, it might surprise you."

"I’ve always been interested in how buildings are designed and constructed, from the very start of a project through to its completion. I chose a T Level because it offered the chance to explore potential careers and opportunities.

"My placement at Beard has opened my eyes to how many people contribute to a project, the preparation needed before work begins and the importance of health and safety. Visiting projects ranging from colleges to homes and commercial buildings has helped me develop my communication and teamwork skills, and see how everyone works together to keep things running smoothly.

"My favourite moment on-site so far was when we went to Stonehenge for a day trip. We learnt about the different building techniques that were used to construct the site thousands of years ago and how some of these principles are still used today.

"My advice to anyone considering a construction T Level is to do it – it might surprise you! My experience at Beard has given me a real insight into the construction industry and has helped me apply the knowledge and skills I’ve learnt throughout my course.

"It’s also helped me put my college learning into practice and build experience I can take into my future career."

Ellie-May Dingle: "Somewhere I can belong, develop my skills and make my own place in the industry."

"I’ve always enjoyed being creative and designing things, but I also wanted a career where I could work on real projects and see the results. This T Level allows me to learn the theory at college while also gaining experience with a real construction company like Beard.

"Before my placement, I imagined construction as being mostly men working on building sites and physically constructing buildings. My experience has shown me that there are so many different roles and different routes into construction - and so much diversity.

"The project at Hertford College has been a highlight during my placement. Visiting the site gave me the opportunity to see how a real construction project is managed and how different stages of construction come together. 

"I was able to learn more about how different trades work together, how health and safety is managed on site and how important communication and teamwork are.

"My experience at Beard has given me the confidence to see construction as a career where I can belong, develop my skills and make my own place as a young person in the industry."